B X 

92.11 
•f5F5 




PRESENTED BY 



/ 



FINCASTLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



A PARTIAL HISTORY 



Fincastle Presbyterian 
Church 



COMPILED BY 

Rev. J. M. HO L LAD AY 



RICHMOND. VIRGINIA 
Whittet & Shepperson, Printers 
Nineteen Hundred and Two 



Gift 

■Yufchcr 



TO 

THE MEMORY OF 

Zhosc who 1bave ©one from His 

and are now 

members of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, 
who are enrolled in heaven, and who, during their 
earthly pilgrimage, loved this vlne of 
God's planting with tender love; 

AND TO 

Ubose wbo Still 1Rematn t 

of present and of future generations, 
whose privilege and joy it shall be to continue 
the labors of their fathers, under 
the blessing of their 
fathers' God, 
THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 



INTRODUCTORY 



The Fincastle Presbyterian Church was once one of 
the large, strong churches of the Virginia Synod. It was 
her privilege to do much for the cause of Christ in the 
county of Botetourt. From her birth until Rev. John 
M. Fulton became her pastor there was no record kept 
of the proceedings of the session, nor of the history of the 
church. The first volume of the records of the session, 
embracing that period of her history from 1830 to 1845, 
is lost or destroyed. Indeed, the records from 1845 to 
the present time are lacking in many details which would 
be of interest to the sons and daughters of this church, of 
the present and future generations. Since we learn these 
facts, we may not accuse our fathers of vainglory. 

This partial history is gathered largely from sources 
outside of the sessional records. This particular church 
has been rich in historic interest, most of which is lost 
beyond recovery. In order to preserve what can now be 
rescued, we have issued this small volume. We have 
embodied only that which comes from reliable sources. 
Our labor has been a labor of love. We record with 
gratitude that which God has wrought through the 



8 



A Partial History of the 



instrumentality of the members of this church. This 
partial history is briefer than we wish, but we have done 
the best we could with the material in our hands. We 
should be grateful for corrections of mistakes which may 
have crept in, and for any additional matter which might 
be of interest, and which would make this history more 
complete. 

That information which comes from Mr. W. A. 
Glasgow, and which goes back of his own personal 
knowledge, is derived mainly from his mother, who was 
the eldest child of Col. William Anderson, and a member 
of this church. We are indebted, for information, not 
only to Mr. Glasgow, but also to Mrs. S. G. Lewis, 
Mr. B. G. Morgan, Rev. W. C. White, Mr. Turner 
McDowell, Mrs. John S. McFerran, Mrs. Sue Simmons, 
Mrs. Jane Godwin, Miss Mary Spiller, Mrs. Lucretia 
Baker, Mr. E. B. Luster, Mr. Thomas P. Grasty, and Mr. 
Frank Glasgow, besides others in and out of Fincastle, 
who have aided us in many ways. Mr. John W. Williams, 
clerk of the House of Delegates, kindly gave a certified 
copy of an act of the Legislature passed in 1842. 

We hope that the proceeds from the sale of this little 
volume will much more than pay for the cost of publica- 
tion. Whatever is received in excess of the cost will be 
set aside, and invested as a permanent fund, the interest 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



9 



on which will be used to keep in repair the cemetery 
around the church building. For this reason we ask the 
cooperation of all interested persons in the sale of this 
book. If any one wishes to make a donation to this fund 
it will be sacredly guarded. We wish that all whose 
ancestors are buried here would contribute enough to 
insure an income sufficient to meet the annual expense of 
preserving these graves from neglect and injury. Even 
$500 would yield an annual income sufficient for this 
purpose. 

The Maxse, Fincastle, Ya., January 1. 1902. 



The 



Fin castle Presbyterian 
Church 



i. THE ORGANIZATION 




HE following note is taken from the second volume 
of the Records of the Session, prepared in 1845 : 



"Memoranda of the Organization and Early His- 
tory of the Presbyterian Church of Fincastle, 
Virginia. 

"It must remain a subject of deep regret to the pious 
of succeeding generations, as it is to many now alive, that 
so little is known or can now be ascertained of the early 
history and progress of the Presbyterian Church of Fin- 
castle. Xo source of information is now accessible 
besides the uncertain and unsatisfactory recollections of 
some of the more aged of the members. It does not 
appear that any papers or records were kept up to the 
year 1830, when the first entries were made in the Session 
Book, 1 which is still extant. Even from the above period 
the record is by no means full and complete, and conse- 

1 No trace of this book can now be found. It has been lost, 
or possibly burned in some of the disastrous fires which have 
visited Fincastle. 



12 



A Partial History of the 



quently many important facts, with their dates, are now 
lost beyond recovery. 

"It is proposed, however, now, though late, to embody 
in the form of a preface to this book, some of the most 
prominent events with the dates, as nearly as they can be 
ascertained, connected with the first planting and progress 
of this church, now dear to their children, because it is 
the church to which many of our fathers belonged, and in 
which they were reared. So far, then, as tradition or the 
memory of a few persons still alive may be relied on, the 
following statement may be received as at least substan- 
tially correct : 

"The Presbyterian Church of Fincastle was most 
probably organized by the Rev. Edward Crawford about 
the year 1795. 1 At least it is known that Mr. Crawford 
resided about this period in the county of Botetourt, and 
was regularly employed for a portion of his time in 
preaching to the Presbyterians of Fincastle. The first 
ruling elders chosen by the church, and no doubt ordained 
by Mr. Crawford, were Nicholas Carper and James 
Delzell. But little is now known of Mr. Crawford's gifts 
and success as a preacher, nor is it certainly known how 
long he continued to exercise his ministry among the 
people of Fincastle and other portions of the county. It 
appears from reliable sources that Mr. Robert Logan, 
after a brief period of trial, was settled as stated supply 
of the congregation about the 15th of December, 1800. 

1 This date is filled in with a pencil, while this preface is writ - 
ten in ink. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



*3 



The church was yet in its infancy, and but poorly able to 
sustain a stated ministry. Mr. Logan, however, with 
great self-denial, continued to labor in this field until 
called to rest from his labors in the paradise of God." 



Mr. W. A. Glasgow writes : 

"Early in 1770 the county-seat of Botetourt county 
was fixed on a tract of forty-five acres presented by Israel 
Christian, provided the court-house and public prison 
were built on it. Under this deed from Christian to the 
county court, the court had the land laid oft into lots ; 
some appropriated to the court-house and prison, some 
sold, but an eligible lot was set apart to the church. The 
church lot was built on by the Episcopal Church ( Church 
of England), over which there was installed a rector; the 
church had also a glebe. It is said that one or more 
rectors were buried under the church building, and that 
one rector especially was, in life, a jolly fellow. Soon 
after the Act of Religious Freedom, passed in 1785, the 
church was unoccupied. Doubtless it was felt that the 
act was unfavorable to the Anglican Church, and the 
tithes being stricken out, the church was without support. 
The community being largely dissenters, chiefly Presby- 
terians, the church was opened for service by them. Mr. 
Y\ illiam Anderson, with his friends, held charge of the 
church for worship, and from these beginnings the church 
has been held and occupied to the present day." 



14 



A Partial History of the 



MINISTERS. 

Rev. Edward Crawford, . . 1795 — 1800 

Rev. Robert Logan, 1800 — 1828 

Rev. John M. Fulton, 1829 — 1834 

Rev. Jeptha Harrison, 1835 — 1837 

Rev. Stephen T. Cocke, 1837 — 1845 

Rev. Henry H. Paine 1845 — : 856 

Rev. John S. Grasty, D. D., 1856 — 1867 

Rev. John H. Bocock, D. D., 1867— 1870 

Rev. R. R. Houston, 1871 — 1890 

Rev. P. C. Clark, 1891— 1897 

Rev. J. C. Shive, 1897 — 1899 

Rev. J. M. Holladay, 1899 — 

Note. — Rev. W. M. Doggett, D. D., supplied the pulpit for three months or more 
(January to April), in 1897. 



RULING ELDERS. 1 

Nicholas Carper, 1795 James Hannah, .... 

James Delzell 1800 Judge R. M. Hudson, 

Col, Wm. Anderson, .... 1800 Martin McFerran, .. 

Joseph (or John) Woods, 1810 James M. Carper, .. 

John Wilson, . . . . * 1810 Wm. A. Glasgow, . . 

Thomas Wilson, 1810 James M. Spiller, . . . 

James Gordon, 1820 Robert Spencer, .... 

George McDonald, 1820 Robert Glasgow, .... 

Robert Walker, 1820 John S. McFerran, . 

John Allen, 1825 Hampden Spiller, . . . 

Francis T. Anderson, . . . 1836 John N. Slicer, 

Judge Edward Johnston, 1836 Samuel B. Smith, . . . 

Morgan Utz, 1842 Turner McDowell, . . 

Dr. Charles Williams, . . . 1845 



845 
851 
851 
857 



900 



DEACONS.i 

Benj. G. Morgan, 1851 Dr. Samuel M. Carper, . . i860 

James M. Grant, 185 1 Charles C. Spears, i860 

Wm. McCrery, i860 W. A. McCue, 1867 



1 The date following the name is the year of ordination. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



x 5 



Robert Glasgow, 1875 

Hampden Spiller, 1875 

Henry Thompson 1875 

John N. Slicer 

Robert Moler 1888 



Alfred Beckley 

S. F. Patterson 1893 

J. W. McFerran 1893 

H. S. Spencer 1893 

Dr. R. L. Simpson, 1898 



PRESENT ORGANIZATION. 

January i, 1902. 

Pastor, 
Rev. J. M. Holladay. 

Elders. — Messrs. Hampden Spiller, S. B. Smith and Turner 
McDowell. 

Deacons. — Messrs. J. W. McFerran, H. S. Spencer and R. L. 
Simpson. 

Organist. — Mrs. Alfred Beckley, with Miss M. B. Simmons 
and Mrs. J. N. Slicer. assistants. 



(Xon-re 

Mrs. M. Lucretia Baker. 
Alfred Beckley. 
Mrs. Emma V. Beckley. 
Mrs. Addie Bryan. 
Mrs. Nora S. Bur eh. 
Miss Lettie Bozvycr. 
McDowell Britt. 
George W. Britt. 
Mrs. Evelyne M. Carper. 
Mrs. Clelia Carper. 
Mrs. Annie M. Carper. 
Mrs. Fulvia K. Catterton. 
William M. Crowder. 
Mrs. Mary F. Crowder. 
Edward Crush. 
Miss Luminia J. Curd. 
William A. Douglass. 



MEMBERS, 
si dents are italic ized.) 

Mrs. Catherine A. Douglass. 
Mrs. Xora Firebaugh. 
Robert J. Gilliam. 
Mrs. Ella McF. Gilliam. 
Miss Emma McF. Gilliam. 
Mrs. Jane McD. Godwin. 
Mrs. Li I a B. Godwin. 
Miss Grace B. Graybill. 
Joseph E. Hannah. 
Mrs. Annie McF. Hannah. 
Samuel C. Hannah. 
Mrs. Ella Hannah. 
Mrs. Lillian IV. Harnian. 
Joseph Hartsook. 
Mrs. Maggie E. Hartsook. 
Miss Mollie Henderson. 
Mrs. Ellen Heslep. 



i6 



A Partial History of 



Mrs. Virginia A. Hickok. 
Miss Stella Houston. 
Mrs. Syme A. Holladay. 
Mrs. Margarett Huff. 
Frank A. Huff. 
Miss Eliza Kelly. 
Mrs. Mary A. Linkous. 
Miss Nora A. Luster. 
Mrs. Anne McClaugherty. 
Miss Annie McClaugherty. 
Miss Mary E. McCulloch. 
Turner McDowell. 
Mrs. Annie McDowell. 
Mrs. Sarah K. McDowell. 
Miss Lucy McDowell. 
W. J. McFerran. 
Mrs. B. H. H. McFerran. 
Mrs. Nannie B. McFerran. 
Garnett G. McFerran. 
Harry Bryan McFerran 
C. C. Noffsinger. 
Mrs. A. V. Noffsinger. 
George H. Noffsinger. 
Mrs. Mary Obenshein. 
Mrs. Virginia Obenshain. 
Miss Estelle Obenshain. 
Miss Ethell Obenshain. 
Miss Myrtle Obenshain. 
Miss Julia Obenshain. 
Miss Florence Obenshain. 
Archie W. Obenshain. 
Mrs. Annie R. Patterson. 

(Missionary to China.) 

Taylor K. Peck. 
Mrs. Jennie Van Pierce. 
Mrs. Delia H. Pruner. 
Mrs. H. R. Reaburn. 
Miss Gainor Ross. 



Miss Minnie S. Ross. 
Mrs. Eliza M. Scott. 
Mrs. M. E. Sedgwick. 
James Shank. 
Mrs. Susan Simmons. 
Miss Mary B. Simmons. 
J. W. Simmons. 
Miss Ella Simpson. 
Richard L. Simpson. 
Mrs. R. L. Simpson. 
John N. Slicer. 
Mrs. Carrie Slicer. 
Miss Daisy Slicer. 
Samuel B. Smith. 
Mrs. Annie R. Smith. 
Mrs. Schuyler W. Smith. 
Mrs. Nancy Smith. 
Mrs. Jane McC. Smith. 
Robert B. Spencer. 
Howard Spencer. 
Robert L. Spencer. 
Miss Annie Spencer. 
Miss Mary Drew Spencer. 
Miss Annie S. Spencer. 
Hampden Spiller. 
Mrs. Mary L. Spiller. 
Miss Mary F. Spiller. 
Herbert W. Spiller. 
James M. Thrasher. 
Iverson Twyman. 
Mrs. Antonia Twyman. 
Miss Julia Twyman. 
Mrs. Jennie Utz. 
Mrs. James Zimmerman. 
Miss Lucy Zimmerman. 
Miss Mattie Zimmerman. 
Miss Ella M. Zimmerman. 
Lewis N. Zimmerman. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 
(a) White. 
Superintendent.— Mr. Turner McDowell. 
Secretary. — Miss Florence Obenshain. 

Teachers. — Mr. Turner McDowell, Miss Mary Spiller, Mrs. 
Jane Godwin, Miss M. B. Simmons, and Miss Lucy Zimmerman. 
Number of scholars enrolled, fifty-one. 

(b) For Negroes. 
A Sabbath-school for negro children is held in the dining- 
room of Mrs. Jane Godwin, and is taught Dy her. There are en- 
rolled nine scholars. 

SOCIETIES, 
(a) Ladies' Foreign Missionary. 

(Organized 1873.) 

President. — Miss Mary Spiller. 

Secretary and Treasurer. — Miss Annie Spencer. 

(b) Annie Houston Patterson Foreign Missionary. 
For the Children. 

(Organized 1899 ) 

President. — Mrs. Jane Godwin. 
Secretary. — Julia Twyman. 
Treasurer. — Bessie Wade. 

(c) Home Missionary. 

(Organized 1900.) 

President. — Mr. Turner McDowell. 
Vice-President. — Dr. R. L. Simpson. 
Secretary and Treasurer. — Miss M. B. Simmons. 

(d) Ladies' Aid. 

(Organized .) 

President. — Mrs. Virginia Obenshain. 
Secretary and Treasurer. — Mrs. E. M. Scott. 



i8 



A Partial History of the 



II. THE BUILDING AND THE LOT 1 ON WHICH THE 
CHURCH IS BUILT 

Bishop Meade, in the second volume of his Old 
Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia, pages 64 
and 65, in speaking of the Episcopal churches of Virginia, 
says : 

"In Botetourt Parish (for all the new parishes were 
called by the same name with the counties) we find that 
the Rev. Adam Smith was the minister in the years 1774 
and 1776. . . . We know of no other but the Rev. 
Samuel Gray, who appears on the journal of 1796, and 
who died in the parish poor-house, the miserable victim 
of drink. In Fincastle there was an Episcopal church on 
the spot where the Presbyterian church now stands. A 
new church being built there, the Presbyterians worship- 
ped in it, and were perhaps most active in its erection. By 
an act of the Legislature, the lot of ground on which it 
stood was given to that denomination." 

We can learn nothing of the character of the early 
church buildings. Mr. W. A. Glasgow writes: 

"The walls of the present building represent the build- 
ing standing there in 1832. ... In 1849 an d 1850 the 
church was remodelled, removing the session house/ 
fitting up the walls of the old with the present front, and 

1 See also the chapter "God's Acre." 

2 Attached to the rear of the building, as it stood in 1832, was 
a brick session-room. The marks of this room can now be seen 
on the walls of the present building. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



i9 



constructing the interior anew, with galleries and ap- 
proved pulpit and sittings, putting the whole into a hand- 
some church." 

The picture of the present building was taken in the 
summer of 1901, and presents an excellent view. A large 
number of people will look with interest upon it. 

The brick building, as it stood in 1832, was square, the 
roof coming to a point in the centre, and upon which was 
a belfry. It was entered on the right-hand side of the 
present building. From the centre hung the bell-rope, 
which was wrapped around one of the pillars when not in 
use. In the rear of the church, on the outside, can now 
be seen the marks of three windows which were in the 
old building. 



The Manse 

THE picture is the best description of the present 
manse. It was bought with some land the sixth day 
of October, 1856, from William Robinson, Rufus Pitzer 
and others (see Deed Book No. 33, pp. 527 and 652, 
County of Botetourt), and in 1857 additional land was 
purchased from Adaline R. Stever (see Deed Book No. 
33, p. 664, County of Botetourt). The manse has now 
about 25 or 27 acres of land attached. 

Mr. B. G. Morgan writes: "In 1856 Dr. Charles Wil- 
liams, W. A. Glasgow and B. G. Morgan were appointed 
a committee by the church to sell the old manse 1 that 
belonged to the church, and buy a more suitable property. 
They, in a short time, disposed of said manse, and pur- 
chased what was then the William Robinson residence, 
which included fourteen acres of ground. The house was 
of little value, it having been seriously damaged by a 
recent fire ; consequently it had to be added to, and other- 
wise renovated. The difference between the amount 
received from the sale of the old manse and the one above 

1 This property is in the rear of the court-house and the 
Western Hotel, fronting on the Covington road, diagonally oppo- 
site Haythe's Hotel, and now owned by Mr. A. T. Wade. At one 
time it was the home of Mr. Logan. It was sold by the Rev. 
Stephen F. Cocke September 23, 1844, to trustees of the Presby- 
terian Church, for the sum of $1,500. (See Deed Book 47, p. 80.) 



Fincastle Presbvterian Church 



named, left a debt of I as near as I can remember | fourteen 
or fifteen hundred dollars. Then a church meeting was 
called, and about five hundred dollars raised, leaving still 
a balance wanted of one thousand dollars. Mr. Tames M. 
Spiller arose and stated that he would be one of ten to 
pay off the debt. Judge R. M. Hudson, William A. Glas- 
gow. Dr. Charles Williams, Morgan Utz. Martin McFer- 
ran. Samuel Davis and three others i I cannot now recall 
their names | united with Mr. Spiller. the debt was can- 
celled, and the property became the possession of the 
Fincastle Presbyterian Church, and is to-day the manse of 
said church." 

Mrs. S. G. Lewis writes: "Mr. Grasty was the first 
minister who occupied it. There were only four rooms; 
the dining-room was built soon after. The kitchen and 
back porch were added when Mr. Houston was pastor. 
In the summer of i860, soon after I was married to Mr. 
C. C. Spears, we were invited to dine at the manse. There 
were invited to meet us Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow. Mr. and 
Mrs. Spiller, Capt. and Mrs. McFerran and Dr. and Mrs. 
Williams. The necessity of a study was mentioned that 
day, and Mr. Spears remarked that no better time than the 
present could be had to subscribe the necessary funds. 
The amount was raised forthwith, and that fall Mr. 
Grasty got into it." 

This study is still used. It is a frame building eigh- 
teen feet by eighteen feet, with two large windows and 
one door. A picture is given, but it does not show the 
trees near the front of the building. The study is about 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



twenty yards from the manse. An ice-house was built 
in 1899. 

The manse, with other necessary buildings near it, is 
built within the limits of the town of Fincastle. The loca- 
tion is ideal; well drained on every side, retired, quiet, 
with spacious grounds, and a large lawn well shaded by 
numbers of large trees of many varieties. The picture of 
the manse in this little book will be prized by many. 



God's Acre 



HE church-yard has been used as a cemetery for 



1 more than one hundred and twenty-five years. "It 
had beginning when Christian charity abounded, when 
pioneer virtues distinguished patriotism, and public spirit 
predominated," and tells of common ties and mingling 
dust. It is the honored place of sepulture for all denomi- 
nations, and is now full. Indeed, portions of the lot have 
been twice buried in. The earliest graves are unmarked, 
and some of them were made before the war of the Revo- 
lution. The only interments now made are in places 
specially reserved — all of them for aged people. 

The cemetery is difficult to keep in order. Here and 
there iron fences enclose the graves of individuals, or of 
families ; tombstones of some have become broken or 
thrown down, because the foundation stones have become 
undermined. Some graves are sunken, while others are 
marked by mounds. Shrubbery, difficult to eradicate, 
makes it difficult to cut the grass. Many graves are for- 
gotten — even the families have died out, and in other 
cases the descendants of the dead have moved to distant 
States, and have probably forgotten the graves of their 
ancestors. Once or twice a year the cemetery is cleared 
off, largely through the efforts of Air. S. B. Smith, one of 




26 



A Partial History of the 



the elders of the church, and custodian of the cemetery. 
A few interested persons share with him the expense. 

The oldest and unmarked graves hold the ashes of the 
Hancocks, the Prestons, the Hamiltons, the Lockharts and 
others. A list of all the marked graves is herewith given 
(the date following the name is the date of death) : 



Ammen, Naomi, 1837 

Ammen, Emma J., 1853 

Ammen, Benjamin, 1867 

Ammen, Naomi, 1886 

Anderson, Margaret, .... 1810 

Anderson, Robert, 1825 

Anderson, Col. Wm, .... 1839 

Anderson, Mary, 1841 

Anderson, Charles Wm., . 1846 

Anderson, John T., 1846 

Anderson, Anne, 1848 

Anderson, Sallie A., 1854 

Anderson, Maj. J. W., . . . 1863 

Anderson, Col. John T., . 1879 

Anderson, Cassandra M., 1887 

Baker, Caleb, 1835 

Belk, Capt. James, 1826 

Bell, Martha E 1858 

Bell, Mary McNutt, 1857 

Bolton, Susan, 1892 

Bowyer, Mary S., 1825 

Brugh, Elizabeth H., 1845 

Brugh, Lewis, 1856 

Burwell, Elizabeth, 1835 

Burwell, Mary R., 1835 

Caldwell, Alice G., 1875 

Callaghan, Elvira W., .. . . 1886 

Carper, George W., 1842 

Carper, Charles H., 1891 

Carrington, Gen. Edward, 1855 



Dakin, Jacob, 1877 

Ewing, D. Price, 1862 

Ferguson, Joseph, 1833 

Ferguson, Jane, 1838 

Ferguson, Lydia, 1842 

Ferguson, Margaret, . . . 1843 

Ferguson, David K., .... 1846 

Ferguson, Robert H., . . . 1853 

Ferguson, Sarah, 1855 

Figgat, E. W., 1846 

Figgat, Dr. Wm. F., .... 1878 

Figgat, James M., 1882 

Figgat, Robert C, 1884 

Figgat, Susan W., 1895 

Fleger, Capt. Jacob, 1873 

Francis, Charles A., .... 1855 

Gaunt, Joseph P, 1868 

Glasgow, Charles S., .... 1852 

Glasgow, Wm. A., 1862 

Glasgow, Elizabeth S., . . 1862 

Glasgow, Katie C, 1862 

Glasgow, Lizzie S., 1884 

Giles, Martha P., 1808 

Gordon, Margarette A., . 1819 

Grant, Sophia, 1855 

Grant, Walter, 1886 

Grasty, Anna J., : 1861 

Gray, Sarah B. M., 1838 

Gray, Mary J., 1865 

Gray, John, 1878 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



Gray. Dr. T. M 1892 

Hammit. Mable L 1882 

Hammit. Albert H 1883 

Harvey. Patsey 1795 

Harvey. Col. Matthew \V.. 1825 

Harvey. Virginia 1825 

Harvey, Martha 1823 

Harvey, M. Magdalene, . . 1845 

Hayth. Wm. B 1878 

Hazlewcod. Mary 1880 

Hazlewood. Annie 1881 

Hickok, Robert C 1855 

Hickok. Morris 1873 

Hickok, Sarah R 1874 

Hickok. J. R 1878 

Houston. Rachel 1883 

Houston. Evelyn 1883 

Hudson. Judge R. M 1869 

Our sister, "Kate," 1882 

Kollock, Maria 1814 

Kyle. William 1832 

Landon. Mary Y 1894 

Logan. Rev. Robert 1828 

Logan. Margaret 1830 

Look. Samuel 1852 

Mays. Ellen 1840 

Mays, Frances J 1853 

Mays. Mrs. F. H 1865 

Mitchell. Yirginia B 

McFerran. Penelope YY. . 1880 

McFerran. Martin 1886 

McPheeters. Rev.S.B..D.D.. 1870 

McPheeters, Mrs. E. C. . 1872 

Neville, George 1855 

Neville. John, Sr 1856 

Nofsinger. Ellen 1893 

Nofsinger. William 1896 



Patterson. Samuel 1797 

Patterson. Dr. T. M 1828 

Patton. William 183 1 

Patton, Sarah H 1852 

Patton, Sallie A. P 1854 

Patton. Marcus G 1859 

Patton. John A i860 

Patton, Mary W 1877 

Peck. Luminia 1876 

Peck, William 1882 

Peck. Sarah A. D.. , 1883 

Penn. Mary A.. 1857 

Pitzer. Yirginia E. L 1854 

Poague, George 1868 

Price. John M 1855 

Price, George 1863 

Price. John H 1865 

Price. Eliza R 1890 

Robertson. Henry B 1894 

Shanks. Mary C 1833 

Shanks. Grace M 1833 

Shanks. Mary T 1845 

Shanks. Thomas 1849 

Shirley. Sarah J 1886 

Shue, J. E. C., 1880 

Simpkins. Dr. John 1838 

Simpson, S. Fannie 1861 

Simpson. Julia A 1862 

Simpson. Levi 1869 

Skipwith, Peyton 1834 

Smith. Charles W 1848 

Smith, Robert P 1852 

Smith. William 1863 

Snider. Margaret 1837 

Steele, Sallie M 1880 

Stoner. Louisa C 1852 



Tabler, 1 Mrs. E. M 



1 Wife of Rev. John T. Tabler, of Virginia. 



28 



A Partial History of the 



Thomas, Francis 

Thomas, Grace, 

Thrasher, Floyd W., 

Thrasher, Wm. P., 

Thrasher, Mary S., 

Tinney, Miles, 

Tinney, Eve, 

Turner, Sarah A., 

Wade, L. P : 

Warren, Millie, .... 

Wax, Henry, 

Wax, Catherine, 

Welch, Elizabeth A. M., . 



1835 
1829 

1855 
i860 
1889 
1826 
1871 
1842 



1858 
1842 
1858 
1854 



Williams, Maria L 1863 

Williams, Dr. Charles, . . . 1870 

Williams, Jane McC, .... 1900 

Woltz, Ferdinand, 1877 

Woltz, Clarinda A., 1880 

Woodson, Nancy S., 1845 

Woodson, Thomas S., ... 1864 

Woodville, 1 Sarah S., ... 1813 

Woodville, Mary S., 1836 

Word, Emily M., 1846 

Word, Helen E 1846 

Word, Cyril E., . 1856 

Zimmerman, John, ...... 1886 



The oldest grave marked by a stone is that of Patsey 
Harvey, who died in 1795. Only one other stone carries 
us back into the eighteenth century — Samuel Patterson, 
1797. Many unmarked graves antedate these. 

The following inscription is pathetic : 

This Marble 
Marks the spot 
WTiere were deposited the remains of 
MRS. MARIA KOLLOCK, 
the beloved wife of Dr. L. Kollock, 

of Savannah, Georgia. 
In attempting a weary and painful 
journey to the Springs, to alleviate 
Pulmonary Consumption, 

She died at Fincastle 
August 7, 1814, Aged 37. 
By strangers honored and by strangers mourned. 

1 Wife of Rev. John Woodville, of Saint Mark's Parish, Culpeper Co., Va. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



29 



Robert and Margaret Anderson are the ancestors of 
some of the most noted people of Virginia. The marble 
slab, marking their graves, has upon it this inscription : 

Sacred 
to the memory of 
MARGARET ANDERSON, 
The very dear and honored mother 
of William Anderson, 
Who was born in 1738, 
And departed this life about midnight 
on the 26th day of July, 1810. 
For many years she had enjoyed in a good 
degree the comforts of the religion she professed, 
and as she drew near her end her faith increased 
to a comfortable assurance of her interest in 
her Saviour, so that she had nothing to fear from death. 

Sacred 

To THE MEMORY OF 

ROBERT ANDERSON, 
The honored father of William Anderson, 
who departed this life 
between 8 and o, o'clock a. m._, 

July 22, 1825, 
in the 86th year of his age. 
He had been many years a consistent member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and appeared much 
resigned to this dispensation 
of Divine Providence. 



3° 



A Partial History of the 



The wife of the late Governor Giles finds a resting 
place in this cemetery. He has marked her grave with a 
tombstone which bears the following inscription : 

Under This Stone 
Remote from all who knew and loved her 
Lies the body of 
MARTHA PEYTON GILES, 

LATE WIFE OF WlLLIAM B. GlLES, 

A Senator in the Congress of the U. S. 
She was born October, 1777, and died July 1808. 
In the midst of every earthly blessing 
Beloved by Rich and Poor 
She Died ! ! ! 
Her mind adorned with every virtue ; 
Her person in the full Bloom of beauty ; 
The Darling of a Fond Mother ; 
The Pride of affectionate relations ; 
The Delight of adoring Friends. 

She Died ! ! ! 
She left behind her a husband who adored her 
and Three lovely children. 
Reader ! ! 

Mourn for them and for their disconsolate Father : 
Mourn ! ! ! 

For Virtue and Beauty both Lie Buried here ! ! 
Lost to this World forever ! ! ! ! ! 



Two graves remind us of noble testimony to, and 
stand for, the truth, during a period when the test was one 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



3 1 



which involved suffering and persecution. The occupants 
sleep side by side : 

Our Father, 
Rev S. B. McPHEETERS, D. D.. 
Borx Sept. 18. 1819. 
Diet Mch. 9. 1870. 
*'He being dead yet speaketh." 

Our Mother 
E. C. McPHEETERS, 
Borx Sept. 6. 1827. 
Died July 22. 1872. 
"Blessed are the dead which die 
in the Lord from henceforth." 

We should like to give other inscriptions. The above, 
however, together with those of Air. and Airs. Logan, 
given on another page, will show to the reader that this 
burying ground is of more than ordinary interest. 

It is a hallowed, a sacred spot, dear to the hearts of 
many, both old and voting, who have here laid to rest their 
beloved dead. Many tears of sorrow have fallen upon 
this bit of land : sobs of grief have borne the testimony 
that hearts were broken and cherished hopes were 
blighted. But they have turned to the house of God hard 
by. and been comforted as they worshipped God in their 
hours of need, and drank in the words of Scripture, 
which tell of Christ, our Saviour, "who hath abolished 
death, and hath brought life and immortality to light 
through the gospel." 



Items of Interest 



1. THE FINCASTLE CONGREGATIONAL LIBRARY 

(See Sessional Records, page 18, August 19, 1846.) 

"The following resolution in regard to the Fincastle 
Congregational Library was unanimously adopted/' viz. : 

"Resolved, That the rule requiring an annual contri- 
bution of fifty cents from each subscriber to the Fincastle 
Congregational Library for the use of the books thereof 
be, and the same is hereby abolished. But nothing herein 
contained shall be so construed as to prevent any person 
who wishes to make donations to the same." 

"At the request of the Librarian a committee was ap- 
pointed (Dr. Charles Williams) to examine and settle his 
accounts with said Library, and report to a subsequent 
meeting of the session." 

Seventy-three volumes of this library are still extant, 
and are kept in the pastor's study. 

2. RECEIPT FOR TAXES 

Presbyterian Church, 

To The Corporation of Fincastle, Dr. 
1855 To 1 House and Lot, Yearly Rent, i per cent. $1.00 
Received payment, 

Jno. K. Young, S. C. F. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



33 



3. COMMUNION SERVICE 

The silver-plated Communion Service still used by the 
church was presented to the church by four of her elders, 
viz., Capt. Martin McFerran, Dr. Charles Williams, Judge 
Robert Hudson, and Morgan Utz. It has been in use for 
about fifty years. 

4. LAND PATENTED 

On May 10, 1803, one hundred acres of land in Bote- 
tourt county were patented for the "Fincastle Presbyterian 
Congregation" by Tames McConnell, John Moore, and 
James Delzell, Trustees. (See Land Book No. 3, p. 378.) 
This survey was made by Col. William Anderson and 
Robert Anderson, surveyors for Botetourt county, and the 
land was sold November 26, 1886, for $126 to Daniel 
Duffy and Charles Vandergrift. 

5. PEWS RENTED 

It is not possible to find out when the system of renting 
the pews began, but it is thought that immediately after 
the civil war the system was inaugurated. It was not long 
continued. On page 97 of the Records of the Session, 
October 26, 1867, is this entry: "Ordered that the renting 
of the pews in this church be abandoned, and that notice 
thereof be given from the pulpit." In the Treasurer's 
book are entries of money received in 1866 and in 1867. 

The following is a list of pew renters found in the old 
papers of Mr. James M. Spiller : 



A Partial History of the 



w No. Name of Pew Renters. Rent. 

i $ 

2 

3 Mrs. Grasty, 

4 Mr. Spiller, 5000 

5 Mrs. Price, 10 00 

6 Mr. Spiller, 50 00 

7 Judge Hudson, 50 00 

8 Capt. McFerran, 100 00 

9 Mrs. J. M. Carper, 20 00 

10 Mr. Spiller, 25 00 

11 J. H. Mohler, 15 00 

12 Mrs. Gray, 30 00 

13 Dr. Godwin, 10 00 

14 Capt. McClure, 10 00 

15 James Miller, 5 00 

16 Charles Price, 5 00 

17 

18 R. K. Godwin, 5 00 

19 
20 
21 

22 

23 
24 

25 Mr. Spiller, 5 00 

26 James Godwin, 3 00 

27 A. J. Carper, 3 00 

28 C. B. F. Jankins 15 00 

29 Doct. Carper, 15 00 

30 Mr. Bryan, 10 00 

31 Mr. Switzer, 20 00 

32 Mr. Charles Carper, 18 00 

33 Mrs. Ewing 20 00 

34 W. A. Glasgow, 25 00 

35 Mrs. Spears, 20 00 

36 W. A. Glasgow 25 00 

37 Mr. Utz, 25 00 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



35 



Pew Xo. Name of Pew Renters. Rent. 

38 Doctor Williams,, S 20 00 

39 

40 Mrs. George Carper 5 00 

Mrs. Price (more), 5 00 

Mr. Simpson, 10 00 

Mrs. Brugh. one pew, 5 00 



$634 00 

6. DANCING 

From the Records of the Sess: a. 

"The session having heard with grief that some of onr 
members recently engaged in dancing, at public and 
private parties, it was ordered that Judge R. M. Hudson 
be appointed to wait upon them, and admonish them of 
the impropriety of such conduct, and to ascertain whether 
they intended to persist in such conduct." 

"Mr. . at whose instance the session convened, 

desired to make a statement with regard to some reports 
of dancing at his house. He stated that whilst in his 
absence in town, a company of voting persons had col- 
lected at his house, and had obtained from his family 
permission to dance : that on his return to the house, he 
found them there, and was informed what was their 
object, and that he had improperly permitted them to 
dance : that he regretted very much that he had done so. 
believing as he did that he had done wrong, although per- 
mission had been obtained from his family, and that a 
similar thing should not occur at his house. Whereon the 
session excused him. with the admonition that dancing 
could not. and would not, be indulged in by members of 
cur church." 



36 



A Partial History of the 



7. THE SABBATH-SCHOOL 

It is not known when the Sabbath-school was begun. 
Mr. W. A. Glasgow writes : "I attended Sunday-school in 
the church in 1832 and 1833, superintended by Col. Wil- 
liam Anderson, an elder of the church. At the school I 
committed several chapters of Matthew, including 'The 
Sermon on the Mount/ and the recital of same so pleased 
my uncle, John T. Anderson, that he presented me with a 
seal-skin cap and Robinson Crusoe. I wore the first with 
pride, and read and reread the latter with pleasure." 

8. THE "HARMONIUM" 

Through the efforts of Mr. Benjamin Gould and 
others, in 1858, the "Harmonium" was purchased, and it 
was the first musical instrument introduced into the Fin- 
castle Church. It was bought from parties in New York, 
who had used it a short time, and it served the church 
until the summer of 1901, when a new Mason and Hamlin 
reed instrument was bought for $150. Soon after the 
civil war, an expert came from a New England factory 
to Fincastle, and repaired the "Harmonium/' This old 
instrument is now in the church, worn out, but prized by 
the older members of the congregation for the sacred asso- 
ciations and memories of the past, which are interwoven 
with its history. 

When the "Harmonium" was installed, Mrs. Gould 
selected the choir, composed of the following persons : 

Musical Director. — Mr. Benjamin Gould. 



Fincastle Presbvterian Church 



37 



Organist. — Mrs. Benjamin Gould. 

Sopranos. — Miss Eliza J. Carper, Miss Lavinia Stoner 
and Miss Sallie J. Gray. 

Altos. — Miss Xora Stoner, Miss Eliza Animcn and 
Miss Amanda Whiteside. 

Bassos. — Mr. George Williams and Air. George Price. 

Tenor. — Mr. George Landon. 

* 

9. THE LAMP 

The lamp used on the pulpit is a gift from Air. W. A. 
Glasgow. It was manufactured in Richmond, Va v at a 
cost of $7, and bought to protect the eyes of the audience 
from the glow of the light on the pulpit. 

10. MEETINGS OF CHURCH COURTS IN FINCASTLE 

CHURCH 

1. Synod of Virginia in 1S50. 

2. Presbytery of Lexington, April 18, 181 1. 

3. Presbytery of Lexington, April 22, 18 19. 

4. Presbytery of Lexington. April 28, 1831. 

5. Presbytery of Lexington, April 21, 1841. 

6. Presbyterv of Montgomery, September 23, 1852. 

7. Presbytery of Montgomery, September 12, 1855. 

8. Presbytery of Montgomery, September 18, 1862. 

9. Presbytery of Montgomery, April 19. 1876. 
to. Presbytery of Montgomery, May 3, 1887. 

11. Presbytery of Montgomery, April 18, 1893. 
Montgomery Presbytery now stands adjourned to 

meet at Fincastle April 22. 1902. 



38 



A Partial History of the 



11. THE HEATING OF THE CHURCH 

Prior to 1850 the old church building was heated with 
two large "ten-plate" stoves. When the building was 
repaired in 1850 these stoves were transferred to it, and 
remained in use until about 1868, when they were re- 
moved. These stoves w r ere the product of Robert Har- 
vey's furnace on Catawba (some eight miles above Fin- 
castle), and were made late in the eighteenth century. 
They must, therefore, have served the church for about 
seventy-five years. 

12. THE ORGANISTS 

Among the organists of the church might be men- 
tioned Mrs. B. Gould, her son Charles Gould, Mrs. Eliza 
Figgat, Mrs. Emma Beckley, Miss Mary Hudson, Misses 
Maggie and Bettie Glasgow, and the Misses Houston. 
Mrs. Alfred Beckley is the present very efficient organist, 
and has given freely of her talents, from time to time, 
since the first instrument was placed in the church. 

13. "THE GLEBE" 

The "Glebe 1 ' of the Church of England was the prop- 
ertv now owned by Mrs. Ann Brugh, about two miles 
east of Fincastle, on the Blue Ridge Road. It w r as sur- 
veyed in April, 1804, by Col. William Anderson, and 
contained then about one hundred and thirty-eight acres. 
Just when or how this land came into the possession of 
the Presbyterian Church is not known, but it must have 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



39 



been about the time the Presbyterians took possession of 
the church building'. The following is interesting: 

"An Act 

"Authorizing commissioners to convey a certain tract of 
land to John Luster, of the County of Botetourt. 

(Passed March 26, 1842.) 

"Whereas it is represented to the General Assembly 
that the Presbyterian congregation of the town of Fin- 
castle, in the County of Botetourt, have had the posses- 
sion and use of a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of 
land, lying near the said town, for the last fifty years, the 
legal title whereof was originally vested in certain indi- 
viduals for their benefit, who have long since departed this 
life ; that the said tract of land has been subsequently sold 
by Edward Johnston, John Gray, Morgan Utz and Francis 
T. Anderson ( who were appointed commissioners for that 
purpose by the said congregation) to a certain John 
Luster for the sum of two thousand dollars ; and that it is 
the wish of the said congregation that the said commis- 
sioners be authorized to make a title for the said tract 
of land to the said John Luster : 

"1. Be it, therefore, enacted that Edward Johnston, 
John Gray, [Morgan Utz and Francis T. Anderson, or 
any three of them, be and they are hereby authorized to 
convey to said purchaser, by a proper legal conveyance, 
the title to said tract of land ; Provided, however, that 
such title shall not affect the rights of any person or per- 
sons having a beneficial interest in said land. 

"A Copy — Teste: John W. Williams, 

"Clerk of the House of Delegates and Keeper 
of the Rolls of Virginia" 

"December 7. 1901." 



4o 



A Partial History of the 



The deed conveying this land to Mr. Luster is re- 
corded in Deed Book 31, page 367, and acknowledged and 
recorded January I, 1852. 

It is thought that Rev. Robert Logan once lived at the 
Glebe. He had lived in the house which stood on the site 
of the present building occupied by Mr. R. J. Gilliam, and 
also where Mr. John Link now lives, on the waters of 
Mill Creek, about four miles southeast of Fincastle. It 
is possible that Mr. Fulton and Mr. Harrison lived there. 
It is certainly known that Rev. Stephen Cocke moved 
from the Glebe to a house on "Prospect Hill/' and after 
two years moved to the old Manse property in Fincastle, 
and which he afterwards sold to the Presbyterian Church 
in 1844 for $1,500. 

14. MOUNTAIN UNION CHURCH 

Mountain Union Church is the daughter of the Fin- 
castle Presbyterian Church. She was born on the Satur- 
day before the third Sabbath in February, 1832. To this 
daughter the mother gave twenty-four members, among 
them a ruling elder, Mr. George McDonald, who was im- 
mediately made a ruling elder in the new organization. 

15. THE BELL 

The bell now used in the Fincastle Church was in use, 
possibly, prior to 1850. It is certainly known that it has 
rung out the glad invitation to God's children, to meet to- 
gether for public worship, ever since the church was 
remodelled in 1849- 1850. It * s the general impression 
that it was used in the old building. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



4i 



16. BOND FOR $2,000 

In Deed Book Xo. 31, p. 368, is recorded a bond exe- 
cuted by Henry H. Paine and Morgan Utz, in the sum of 
$2,000. "The condition of the above obligation is such 
that, whereas the above bound Henry H. Paine was on 
the — day of , 1851, by the Board of School Commis- 
sioners in and for the county of Botetourt, appointed 
superintendent of schools for said county, for the year 
commencing January 1, 1852." 

17. FUNERAL SERMON TO CONDEMNED MEN 

A negro-trader, in passing through Fincastle on his 
journey, camped for the night on Bradshaw's Creek, near 
the town. During the night he was murdered by six of 
his slaves. They were apprehended and sentenced to be 
hanged. When the day of execution arrived, they were 
made to attend the Presbyterian Church, where a funeral 
sermon was preached to them. Then they were taken to 
the place of execution, and hanged on a large walnut tree, 
which is not now standing, in the lot now owned by Ed- 
mund Gilliam. This lot is between the Manse property 
and Mr. C. B. Camper's. The time of this incident is not 
known, but men who are now seventy and eighty years old 
remember hearing their fathers speak of it. "Nearly 
every one in the county went." We are unable to ascer- 
tain who preached the sermon to these unfortunate 
wretches. 



Christian Education 



HE compiler of these historical notes had no thought 



1 of inserting a chapter on the above theme. But as 
he began to look into the history of his church he was 
surprised to learn how much she had done for Christian 
Education in this community. No attempt is made to set 
forth all her efforts, and no statistics are given, for the 
simple reason that no record has ever been kept of these 
things. Only "bits" of history are here thrown together, 
that the reader may, to some extent at least, appreciate the 
work of our fathers to do their part in the essential mat- 
ter of giving to their children and community an educa- 
tion not devoid of true religion. 

The Fincastle Presbyterian Church has never at- 
tempted to conduct a parochial school, nor to control the 
schools. She has been foremost, through her sons and 
daughters, in every effort to give a Christian education 
to all w T ho would avail themselves of the opportunity. 
The free schools of the State, after the civil war, have 
largely absorbed the schools conducted before through 
individuals or joint stock companies. This church was 
necessarily the leader in all educational efforts, for the 
reason that she was the strongest and wealthiest church 
in all this section, until after the civil war ; then conditions 
changed. The railroads have never touched Fincastle. 




Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



45 



Roanoke on the one side and Eagle Rock on the other 
have taken the commercial business which was once hers. 
Large numbers of the sons and daughters of the church 
have gone since to swell the membership of other churches 
in the cities or elsewhere, and to give their service to 
these. Her people, impoverished by the war. depleted in 
numbers, and facing new conditions, have done what they 
could since that day when the Confederate flag was furled 
and the cherished hopes of a brave people were crushed. 
Like others, the best and truest of her sons had been 
largely sacrificed on the altars of freedom and principle. 

Rev. Robert Logan, pastor of this church from 1800 
to 1828, "was compelled to teach a classical and promiscu- 
ous school a great part of the time he was in the ministry, 
to obtain a decent support for his family." {Foote. ) Of 
this school Air. W. A. Glasgow writes: "He taught the 
classics and mathematics. The sons and daughters of 
Col. Anderson (including my mother) got their education 
chiefly in this school, and it was said that his eldest son, 
John T., as a Latin, Greek and Mathematical scholar, was 
equal to his brothers educated at college and the West 
Point Academy." 

While Air. Cocke was pastor, there was a large school 
of classics and sciences taught by Rev. Thomas Brown, a 
Presbyterian minister. He was an Englishman, a fine 
scholar, and a man of administrative ability. He did good 
work and built up an attendance of perhaps one hundred 
scholars, all male, and chiefly boarders from Southwest 
Virginia and Botetourt. His school building then stood 



46 



A Partial History of the 



on the hill near where the negro churches are now located, 
and bounded on the east by the line of the street extended, 
which passes between the manse and the property once 
owned by the Glasgows, and now owned by Mrs. Me- 
haffey. This building had been erected by the Free Ma- 
sons in connection with the citizens of the town. The 
Masons used the upper floor, while the lower floor, divided 
into two rooms, was used for school purposes. After the 
Masons ceased to use it, when Mr. Brown came, he taught 
upstairs, while his assistant used the lower floor. This 
building has been torn down, and the bricks used for 
paving some of the sidewalks of the town. "A most un- 
precedented and outrageous affair." 

One of Mr. Brown's pupils testifies as follows : "He 
was a most excellent teacher and a most superb flagellator. 
His switches were supplied from Catawba by the Thomp- 
son boys, and were never under five feet in length. Not 
less than a half dozen were kept in sight of the school, 
and when it became necessary to use them, the victim had 
no possible way of escape." 

After Mr. Brown, Rev. John Anderson became the 
principal of this academy. He was a Presbyterian min- 
ister from Ireland, a ripe scholar, a fine teacher, and a man 
of great ability. He sometimes supplied the pulpit of the 
Presbyterian Church. "Like his predecessor, his disci- 
pline was of the first order." It was perhaps through the 
influence of Mr. Bradshaw, principal of the Anne Smith 
Academy of Lexington, that Mr. Anderson was put in 
charge of the Fincastle Academy, which was then in a 



Fincastle Presbyteiian Church 



47 



flourishing state, and controlled by trustees, and in no 
sense denominational. 

During this period, and when Mr. Paine became pas- 
tor of the church, in 1845, " tne membership of the Pres- 
byterian Church was composed of such men as Col. John 
T., F. T., and Dr. William Anderson, Judge Edward 
Johnston, Morgan Utz, Dr. Charles Williams, and many 
other prominent men, who were foremost in every busi- 
ness enterprise connected with the growth of the town 
and county. These men took the lead in matters of edu- 
cation, and succeeded in establishing male and female 
academies of high grade, in which the best teachers were 
employed, and a large patronage drawn to both from 
different portions of the State." During Mr. Paine's pas- 
torate both male»and female schools were conducted, not 
as denominational schools, but largely under the influence 
and leadership of the Presbyterians. At the time when 
Mr. Paine left, both the male and female schools were on 
the decline. 

"One of the first things Mr. Grasty did when he took 
charge of the church was to say, 'To build up a church, we 
must have good schools.'' " His efforts were seconded by 
his people and others. He was the inspiration in restoring 
both male and female schools. 

Mr. Downs, 1 a good teacher and a member of the 
Methodist Church, had had charge of the male school for 
a number of years. After Air. Grasty came, the following 

1 It was said of Air. Downs that lie "whipped off all the but- 
tons on the coats of his scholars." 



4 8 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



men taught this school until the civil war broke out, viz., 
Mr. John M. Guy, of Augusta county; then Mr. William 
McCorkle, of Rockbridge county; then Mr. William A. 
McCue, of Augusta county, and Mr. William Wilson, of 
Rockbridge county — all Presbyterians. After the close 
of the war, possibly, Mr. McCue taught for a few years. 

The school building south of the Episcopal Church, 
now used by the trustees of the public free schools for the 
use of a graded free school, was erected during the pas- 
torate of Mr. Paine by a joint stock company, composed of 
sixty-three shares. The gentlemen who composed this 
company were interested in promoting the education of 
girls, and were members of the Presbyterian, Episcopal, 
Baptist and Methodist Churches. The members of the 
Presbyterian Church owned twenty-eight shares. When 
Mr. Grasty came to Fincastle he used his influence in 
getting from the North, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gould, 
whom he had known at Yancey ville, N. C, as excellent 
teachers, to take charge of this female academy. They 
were Presbyterians, and under their leadership a large and 
successful school was conducted for a number of years. 
The influence of these two godly people is still felt for 
good in this place, although they have been gone for 
more than thirty-six years. They sought to lead their 
pupils to Christ, as well as to train their minds, and in this 
effort they were richly blessed. Some of their pupils, who 
still live in and around Fincastle, always mention their 
names with tender affection and gratitude. 

Mr. Gould had been preceded by Mr. Paine, Miss 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



5 1 



Bascome. Miss Brown, Miss Lizzie Baxter, of Lexington, 
and Misses Rebekah and Kate Glasgow — all Presbyte- 
rians. Mr. Paine lived in the old manse, and for several 
years taught a private school in that building. One year 
his pupils numbered about fifty. (See also ''Items of In- 
terest," No. 1 6, on p. 41.) 

The session room attached to the Presbyterian Church 
was used as a school-house during the pastorates of Mr. 
Harrison and Air. Cocke. A Air. Lovelace was employed 
by some of the citizens of the town, or by trustees (it is 
not remembered which ) , who taught the ordinary English 
branches for several sessions. It was then the only male 
school in town. 

There once stood on the corner of the Presbyterian 
church-yard, near the town spring, and very close to the 
carpenter shop (known as Simpson's shop) a brick school- 
house. It was torn down after the war. The Sessional 
Records refer to it in records of date September 21, 1868, 
and February 22, 1869. It was built, by permission of 
the Presbyterian Church, for a primary school. The 
gentlemen interested in this enterprise, besides Presby- 
terians, were chiefly Episcopalians. This school was first 
taught by a Baptist lady, Miss Helen Bell, of Buchanan. 
She was succeeded by Mrs. Bonnell, a Presbyterian, and 
her daughter (Mrs. Word), who taught for a number of 
years. Airs. Word became a Methodist. 

Others taught before the war, either in private schools 
or in some of the schools enumerated above ; among them 
were Miss Knight and Miss Juwell (both members of the 
Congregational Church, but attended the Presbyterian 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



Church), Miss Bascome, Miss Goodrich, of Connecticut, 
and Miss Reynolds, of Lewisburg, W. Va. 

After the war, Judge Thomas Houston, a Presbyte- 
rian, possibly was the first to take charge of the Female 
Academy, with Miss Paulina Camper, a Methodist, as 
his assistant. After these, Rev. C. W. Humphries and 
Rev. Frank Price, both Presbyterians, and Mr. Gaines 
have taught in Fincastle. 

While Dr. Bocock was pastor of the church he taught 
his own children, and a few other pupils as well. Rev. 
R. R. Houston did likewise. Of the present members of 
the Fincastle Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Jane Godwin 
has taught in private schools in town, and now teaches a 
few scholars in her own home ; Miss Gainor Ross, Miss 
Annie McClaugherty, Miss M. B. Simmons, Miss Mattie 
Zimmerman and Mrs. Mary Linkous teach in the public 
free schools ; Mr. Hampden Spiller has taught, and Mr. 
Iverson Twyman now teaches, in the public free schools ; 
Miss Stella Houston teaches a private school ; and 
Mrs. Holladay, the wife of the present pastor of the 
church, teaches her own children, and a few other pupils 
from the town. 

We do not claim that the Presbyterians have done, in 
the past or present, all the work of Christian education in 
this community. Indeed, every effort they put forth was 
heartily seconded by God's people, who were members of 
our sister denominations. We only record, with grati- 
tude, a part of what the Presbyterians have done to edu- 
cate the youth in an atmosphere of the religion of Jesus 
Christ. 



Sketches of Some 
Pastors 



of Her 



Rev. ROBERT LOGAX 



ROM the records of the Presbytery of Lexington, 



1 through the courtesy of Rev. W. C. White. Stated 
Clerk, we learn that Air. Logan was received by that 
Presbytery as a candidate September 22, 1797, licensed 
October 19, 1798, and ordained at Brown's meeting-house 
on April 9, 1800. It also appears from these records that 
Mr. Logan was called to Ballston, N. Y., and to Big 
Spring, Pa., at the same time he was called to Botetourt 
( 1 80 1 ) . Prior to this he had been directed to fill appoint- 
ments made for him in Botetourt and elsewhere. Rev. 
Samuel Houston, Rev. George Baxter and Rev. Samuel 
Brown were appointed a committee to install Air. Logan 
at Fincastle on the Saturday before the second Sabbath 
of May, 1803. 

From the historical preface to the second volume of 
the records of the session of Fincastle Church we 
quote : 

"Mr. Logan, however, with great self-denial, con- 
tinued to labor in this (Fincastle) field until called to rest 
from his labors in the paradise of God. Mr. Logan was a 




54 



A Partial History of the 



man of vigorous intellect, pious, laborious, and ardently 
devoted to the promotion of the kingdom of Christ. 
Many yet remain to testify to his worth, while the greater 
part have fallen asleep." 

Dr. Foote, in his Sketches of Virginia, second series, 
pp. 580, 581, says : 

''Robert Logan had the refusal of the tutorship in 
Hampden-Sidney College, when John H. Rice applied 
for it. Upon being visited by Mr. Rice 1 upon the subject, 
he gave up his right, and recommended his friend to be 
the tutor. He was born in Bethel congregation, Augusta 
county, September, 1769. He was reared piously in the 
strictness of the Presbyterian faith and customs, one of a 
large family of children, all of whom became professing 
members of the church. His literary and theological 
course was passed at Liberty Hall under the care of Rev. 
William Graham. Upon being licensed to preach the gos- 

1 On pp. 246, 247 of the same volume we find this interesting 
note: "Hearing that a tutor was wanting in Hampden-Sidney 
College, he (John H. Rice) sought the office. With such intro- 
duction as he could procure he made application to the trustees 
by a personal interview. With his bundle in his hand, he pro- 
ceeded on foot through Campbell county and part of Charlotte to 
Prince Edward, and found that the trustees were in correspond- 
ence with Robert Logan, of Fincastle, and waiting a final answer. 
Encouraged to expect the appointment if Mr. Logan declined, 
and anxious to know the event, he returned to Bedford, crossed 
the Blue Ridge, and waited on Mr. Logan. Returning to Prince 
Edward with a communication from Mr. Logan declining the 
office, and recommending Mr. Rice to the trustees, this long pedes- 
trian journey was crowned with success; he received the appoint- 
ment." 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



55 



pel, he made some missionary excursions, and visited Gen- 
essee county, in New York, and made an excursion to New 
England, visited Kentucky, and finally settled in Fincastle, 
Botetourt county. While in Kentucky he married Miss 
Margaret Moore, from Walker's Creek, Rockbridge 
county, Ya. For many years he was the frontier minis- 
ter. . . . 

"With a wide field around him, and a disposition to 
occupy it, he was compelled to teach a classical and pro- 
miscuous school a great part of the time he was in the 
ministry, to obtain a decent support for his family. . . . 
His labors were great and unremitted, except as sickness 
sometimes caused him to intermit his regular course. 
Salem, now in Roanoke county, shared with Fincastle his 
principal labors, and as his strength enabled him, he 
visited the surrounding counties with the messages of 
mercy. Occasionally he would dismiss his school, and 
try the practicability of living as a minister of Christ, dis- 
engaged from all business but the especial duties of the 
office to which he had been ordained. On one of these 
occasions, having stated his intentions and hopes to Mr. 
Speece, and the amount of expenditure he thought would 
supply the wants of his family, and how it was to be ob- 
tained, that brother remarked that Brother Logan's faith 
must be very strong to live in Fincastle on his salary. 
Mr. Logan died October, 1828, in his sixtieth year, having 
preached in Fincastle about thirty years. Though his 
church and congregation were not large, there were some 
members of both for whom he had the highest regard." 



56 



A Partial History of the 



Mr. W. A. Glasgow writes : "Of Rev. Robert Logan 
I have heard much, nothing but what was good. He was 
loved by the people. His life was an example of godliness 
that must have told in the community." 

Mrs. vS. G. Lewis writes : "I have lost one bit of infor- 
mation I thought I had for you, namely, Mr. Logan's 
salary list. I can, however, say this much ; it was only, I 
think, $300, and the largest single subscription $20 (but 
two that large), from that down to fifty cents per year." 

Mr. Logan sleeps, with his wife, in the cemetery of the 
Fincastle Church. A flat marble slab marks their resting 
place, with the following inscription upon it : 

Erected 
By their Children, 
In memory oe 

ROBERT LOGAN, 

Who was for near 30 years 
Minister 
of the Presbyterian Church 
in this place, 
And died Oct. 9, 1828, 
Aged 59, 

And of his wife 

MARGARET, 

Who died May 10, 1830, 
Aged 49. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



57 



Rev. STEPHEX F. COCKE 1 

''The first regular pastor chosen by the congregation 
was the Rev. Stephen F. Cocke, who was elected, as 
appears from the old record-book, on September 9, 1838. 
Air. Cocke had, however, preached to the congregation 
for twelve months previous to this time. 

"Mr. Cocke continued to serve the congregation, in 
all, six years, and at length removed to Texas, where he 
is now settled. His services were highly acceptable and 
useful, and the congregation consented with great reluc- 
tance to the dissolution of the pastoral relation. During 
his ministry there were many valuable additions to the 
church. Air. Cocke was a man of ardent piety, of a 
cultivated mind, of an easy and pleasant address, of an 
affectionate disposition, and was greatly beloved by the 
people of his charge." 



1 Taken from the preface to the Sessional Records prepared 
in 1845. 



58 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



A VIEW OF FINCASTLE, WITH SPECIAL REF- 
ERENCE TO THE CAREER OF REV. JOHN 
SFIARSHALL GRASTY, D. D. 1 

The county, Botetourt, was organized under Act of 
Assembly of 1769. Considering a place for county seat, 
the justices were offered by Israel Christian a tract of 
about forty acres of land for that purpose, which they 
accepted; and in 1772 laid out a town on it called Fin- 
castle, in honor of Lord Botetourt's country seat in Eng- 
land. The most eligible site for a church was set apart 
for that end — one of surpassing beauty and fitness — be- 
coming at once a place of worship and of burial for the 
earlier settlers and frontiersmen. For a considerable time 
it was in charge of the Church of England, and it is said 
that one of its rectors (who on an occasion, somewhat 
inspired by spirit us frumenti, exhorted his hearers to 
"follow his precepts and not his example ,, ) lies interred 
within the limits of the church's walls. The place has 
continued one of worship and burial to the present 
day. 

After the Revolutionary war, owing no doubt to the 
spirit of religious liberty (soon recognized by statute) 
and the abolition of tithes, the English Church service 

J This article is from the pen of Hon. William A. Glasgow, 
and is prepared by the special request of the compiler of these 
notes. 




DR. GRASTY. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



61 



was discontinued, and the Episcopal light went out. 
Thereupon the church was opened to dissenters, and, the 
Presbyterian element being predominant, the property 
passed into their charge: and Christians of all denomina- 
tions, including the Episcopalians, resorted there to wor- 
ship. And soon a regular pastorate, under the Rev. Robert 
Logan, was established, and a Presbyterian church organ- 
ized. After long and faithful service. Mr. Logan passed 
to his successors a community thoroughly trained in sound 
doctrine. The Episcopal element, thus left without a 
shepherd, cast in their lot with their Presbyterian 
brethren : and all true lovers of Testis Christ sat in peace 
together. This was the true period of the golden age. 
Here the Sabbath bell has continued for thirteen decades 
to arouse and summon the villagers to public worship. 
The place is dear to me. and I must be excused for noting 
that it was in early life the church of my blessed mother, 
and here lie entombed her father and mother, her grand- 
parents, paternal and maternal, and of their descendants 
reaching the sixth generation, not a few of them falling 
in the front in the great civil war. 

Within these precincts are precious memorials of 
Anderson. Thomas. Shanks. McPheeters, Harvey. Kyle. 
Burwell. Price, Rudisill, Furguson. McDowell, Moore. 
Gray. Hickok, Baker. Kollock. General Edward C. Car- 
rington. the wife of Governor Giles, and others too 
numerous to mention here. Among these names is Wil- 
liam Anderson, a soldier under General Greene in the 
Carolinas, who was with Morgan's army in the battle of 



62 



A Partial History of the 



Cow-Pens, and helped to bury his cousin's husband. Lieu- 
tenant McCorkle, who there fell mortally wounded. He 
was in the war of 1812, in command of a regiment, and 
was much in the public service as a justice of Botetourt, 
a delegate to the Assembly, engineer and commissioner 
for this State, and surveyor of Botetourt for fifty years, 
ending with his death in 1839; and then, "while the 
voice of the preacher called on the multitude to 'mark 
the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of 
that man is peace/ the muffled drum and funeral shot pro- 
claimed that the ashes of a Revolutionary patriot had 
found a resting place in the grave.'' 

In the renaissance of the Episcopal Church the honored 
and beloved Bishop Meade and his followers asserted no 
claim to this colonial church, where his friends had taken 
refuge with Presbyterians ; but in another part of the 
town erected a church, which was dedicated to their ser- 
vices. He thus recognized the old church as rightfully 
Presbyterian. 

This old colonial church, under the pastorate of Logan, 
comprised in its membership in the town and country- 
side such names as Bowyer, Burwell, Harvey, Hawkins, 
Trigg, McFerran, McDonald, Snodgrass, Gulliver, Del- 
zell, Anderson, Crabb, Thomas, Alderson, Shanks, Kyle, 
and Breckenridge. During his pastorate Mr. Logan con- 
ducted a school, carrying his pupils into the classics and 
sciences, from which school there went forth men of 
learning and force, who were leaders of thought, and 
illustrated the public councils, not only in Virginia, but 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



63 



in Tennessee and other Southern States. So that the 
works of this venerable man live after him. 

The church passed through several pastorates in suc- 
cession until 1855, when the Rev. John Sharshall Grasty 
was called to its charge. He was a native of Southside 
Virginia, educated at Washington College, Va. 3 at the 
University of Xorth Carolina, and at Union Seminary, 
Ya. Personally, he was then unknown among us ; but 
his reputation as a successful preacher and pastor at Yan- 
cey ville, N. C, had preceded him. On acquaintance we 
were impressed with him as the very man to take charge 
of a church of such beginnings and history. His walk, 
conversation and public services drew about him a most 
appreciative congregation. A decided Presbyterian and 
Calvinist in doctrine, he hailed fraternally all evangelical 
Christians. He did not waste himself and weary his 
people with polemics; but appeared to "know nothing 
but Christ, and him crucified ; to the Jews a stumbling- 
block, and to the Greeks foolishness." The Presbyterians 
of the community were at once drawn near to him, and 
his disccurses grew in favor with outsiders and Christians 
of other connection. There was steady progress, a gen- 
eral increase in his congregation, and some most valuable 
additions to the church. The Board of Elders was organ- 
ized, with regular monthly meetings, and to it was added 
strength through the accession of some entering the 
church under his labors and ordained by him to that office. 
The beard, when he left, consisted of Judge Robert M. 
Hudson, Dr. Charles Williams, Morgan Utz, Martin 



6 4 



A Partial History of the 



McFerran, James M. Carper, James M. Spiller, and this 
writer, who alone remains to tell the story of their valued 
support of their consecrated minister. 

Besides the preaching there was maintained on every 
Wednesday evening a meeting for lecture and prayer. 
This, though chiefly of his own people, was attended 
by many of other congregations, and some of none. The 
lectures for a considerable time were on the Psalms and 
on noted Bible characters, and so attractive and instruc- 
tive were thev that the attendance greatly increased, and 
the lectures became the topics of conversation in the 
community. So much interest was felt in them that there 
was a general looking forward to the next, and persons 
outside the pale of the church, as well as within it, were 
intent to arrange their business to accommodate attend- 
ance. His preaching was with great power, and largely 
attended by earnest listeners. I now recall a sermon from 
the text, "Lot pitched his tent towards Sodom." This 
sermon made a deep impression, as did another which I 
recall from the text, "Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked." 
So, also, did another, "Come now, and let us reason 
together.' ' These and others of like character were sub- 
jects of -widespread comment, insomuch that he was 
invited to neighboring counties (whither they had been 
reported), with urgent request that he would repeat them. 
I remember that in the first mentioned of these three 
extraordinary sermons he would pile up one thought upon 
another, in successive climaxes, capped with the text. = In 
like manner, in the second one he indulged the same 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



65 



climateric figures. In all his preaching, most forcibly 
did he illustrate from history, both sacred and profane, 
ancient and modern, with which he had great and accu- 
rate resource. 

In addition to what has been said of his pastoral work, 
there should not be forgotten his social intercourse, and 
that of his family, most grateful to his neighbors. His 
wife was a charming woman of thorough culture, deeply 
devoted to the care of the olive plants around the board, 
readily making friends with all about. Not only in time 
of peace, but during the most devastating war, and the 
distresses incident to it. when one after another of the 
families of the community were thrown into mourning, 
the preacher and his wife were at hand in all emergencies, 
and their sympathies were felt by the bereaved and sor- 
rowing of all denominations. Directly after the war. 
while his own church was undergoing repairs, he was 
invited by the Episcopalians to preach regularly in their 
church. Such a departure from ecclesiastical precedent 
offered a striking example of how, under his ministry, 
denominational differences were ignored. 

As a citizen he was wide awake and public spirited. 
He was ever in closest touch with the thought, needs 
and feelings of the old and the young alike. To the 
boys of the community he was as a comrade, and they 
looked forward with eager anticipation to his hunting 
and fishing excursions, in which they participated, and 
which were a part of his life until his health began to fail. 

At length, after a service of twelve years, a large part 



66 



A Partial History of the 



of it during times that tried men's souls, worn with cares, 
his investments, upon which he had relied for comfortable 
maintenance, swept away, and with some failure of 
health, he was invited to Shelbyville, Ky. And then, with 
a disposition to try a new field, removed from the scenes 
of care and sorrow which overspread to the horizon his 
present seat, he removed to Kentucky. 

During a sojourn for seven years at Shelbyville he 
made many warm friends, among them Dr. McPheeters, 
of "Mulberry," a few miles distant; Dr. Stuart Robinson, 
and Dr. Wilson, pastor of the First church of Louisville ; 
Mark Hardin, brother of the late distinguished senator, 
Ben Hardin, of Kentucky. Of these, and perhaps other 
interesting men, he contributed sketches for the press, 
which were generally read and valued. Besides extensive 
contributions to religious periodicals, he was the author 
of a most valuable volume, Faith's Battles and Victories; 
or, Thoughts for Troublous Times, published by Anson 
D. F. Randolph & Co., of New York, in 1869, and ten- 
derly dedicated to the cherished memory of his sainted 
mother ; a book designed to instruct and invigorate the 
faithful in all coming generations. The opening sentiment 
in it is, "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, 
and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth." 

During Dr. Grasty's pastorate at Shelbyville there 
passed from life, at "Mulberry," his friend, Dr. Samuel 
B. McPheeters, with whose career he was familiar. This 
lovely saint, while pastor of the Pine-Street Church in 
St. Louis, Mo., had been the victim of one of the most 
outrageous politico-religious persecutions that the world 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



67 



has witnessed since the dark ages. A veritable pack of 
beagles, led by one George P. Strong — a man with a 
pull on the military powers that during the civil war con- 
trolled that city and State — dogged his steps, perverted 
his utterances and acts, and hounded him almost to his 
death. At the close of the war Dr. McPheeters had been 
cordially invited to Kentucky, and placed in charge of 
Mulberry Church, where the remnant of his life was 
passed in ministering to a devoted people, whose brotherly 
kindness consoled his wounded spirits and softened his 
exit from this world of persecution and cruelty. Dr. 
Grasty was his near neighbor ; and in the deep interest 
felt by him for this loved man of God, he was encouraged 
to write his memoir, which, with an introduction by the 
Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson, entitled "The Faithful 
Martyr," was published in St. Louis, by Davidson Bros. 
& Co., in 1871. 

This book, Memoir of Rev. S. B. McPheeters, by John 
S. Grasty, is a treasure which we value as preserving the 
truth of history. After seven years at Shelbyville, Dr. 
Grasty removed to Austin, Texas, and afterwards to Mis- 
souri, where, in the spring of 1883, ended his earthly 
career. 

The world was better for his having lived. Hundreds 
mourned his death for his having, in their bereavement 
and sorrow, extended to them the "balm of Gilead," and 
thousands, who had lined his pathway through life, shed 
tears that they should see him no more. 

William Anderson Glasgow. 
Lexington, Va. } January 15, 1902. 



68 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



In addition to what Mr. Glasgow has said in the above 
admirable article, it might be of interest to the readers 
of this little volume to know that Dr. Grasty was born 
April 24, 1825, at a country place known as "Mount 
Airy," in Pittsylvania county, Va. Before entering the 
ministry he was admitted to the bar, and practiced law 
for several years. Although a very young man, he was 
ordained to the office of ruling elder while practicing law 
in Henry or Patrick counties. Before entering upon his 
pastorate at Yanceyville, N. C., he preached at Smith- 
field, which was his first charge. While living at Yan- 
ceyville he married Miss Ella Pettus, of Mecklenburg 
county, Va. Dr. Grasty left Shelby ville, Ky., about 1874, 
and was called to Austin, Texas. He also served the 
churches at Columbia and Mexico, in Missouri, and died 
in Kansas City in 1883. 

Three of Dr. Grasty's children survive him — Mr. 
Thomas P. Grasty, vice-president and part owner of 
the Manufacturers Record, of Baltimore, Md. ; Mr. 
Charles H. Grasty, president and chief owner of the 
Baltimore News, and Mrs. Mary Agnes Brockenbrough, 
who is engaged in newspaper work in St. Louis. 

The records of the session of the Fincastle Church 
attest the fact that Dr. Grasty's ministry was richly 
blessed in the conversion of sinners. Large numbers of 
young people from the schools and from the community 
entered the church, as well as older people. His efforts 
to build up male and female schools met with signal 
success. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



7 1 



Others, as well as Mr. Glasgow, remember Dr. Grasty 
as a genial gentleman : a loyal and sympathetic friend ; 
a preacher, able, impressive and attractive ; and a pastor, 
acceptable and helpful, who enjoyed the confidence and 
esteem of all. 

Through the generosity of "one who loved him," we 
are able to present to the reader two pictures of this man 
of God, whose memory is dear to many now living, and 
which were taken after he left Fincastle. 



Rev. JOHN H. BOCOCK, D. D.. 

Closed his useful ministry of thirty-one years as pastor 
of the Fincastle Church, which he served for three years. 
He had always occupied a prominent position in the 
church, not only as an earnest and eloquent preacher of 
the gospel, but as a writer for the magazines and other 
periodicals. He left a number of valuable manuscripts, 
some of which have been published in one volume. Dr. 
Bocock was a man of great learning and transcendent 
ability. He had no superiors, and few equals, in the Vir- 
ginia ministry. 

Dr. Bocock married Miss Margaret Kemper, a sister 
of GoA'ernor Kemper, who survives him with four chil- 
dren, all of whom occupy prominent and useful positions 
in societv. 



7 2 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



Rev. RUTHERFORD ROWLAND HOUSTON 1 

Is the first child of Rev. S. R. Houston, D. D., and his 
first wife, Mary Russell Rowland ; he was born in Smyrna, 
Asia Minor (Turkey) in the house of the Austrian Con- 
sul. "After the death of his mother, at four years of age 
he was taken to the United States on account of his deli- 
cate health. Recovering, he entered the school in Union, 
Monroe county, W. Va., and when prepared for college, 
he entered Washington College, Virginia (now Wash- 
ington and Lee University), at fifteen years of age, where 
he graduated in 1855 with honor, and was appointed to 
deliver the valedictory at the commencement/' 

"Not long after graduating he became an assistant 
teacher in Rev. Dr. Foote's Classical School, Romney, 
W. Va., where he taught for two years ; then entered 
Union Theological Seminary, taking a full course of study 
there. At the close of his theological course he received 
the appointment of assistant of the professor of Oriental 
Literature, in which capacity 'he performed his duties with 
eminent ability' (the unsolicited commendation of the pro- 
fessor)." He was licensed to preach by Greenbrier Pres- 
bytery, Synod of Virginia, in 1863, and immediately be- 
came the "stated supply" of "Salem," "Muddy Creek," 
and "McElhenny" churches, all of which were in Green- 



1 A greater portion of this sketch is taken from a volume 
entitled The Houston Family, by Rev. S. R. Houston, D. D. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



75 



brier Presbytery. In 1866 he became the minister of 
"Salem and Carmel" churches, of the same Presbytery, 
and continued to serve these churches until 1809. His 
Presbytery put several candidates for the ministry under 
his care for instruction while serving these churches. 

In 1 87 1 he was called to the Presbyterian churches of 
Fincastle and Mountain Union, in Botetourt county. Ya. 
He faithfully served these churches until 1890, when he 
removed to Xew Castle. Craig county. Ya.. ministering to 
Xew Castle. Mt. Emory, and Sinking Creek churches of 
that county. In 1804 he moved to his farm in Botetourt 
county, near Amsterdam, and has continued until this 
date (1902) preaching the Word in season and out of 
season. "As a preacher, he is instructive, impressive, 
practical and effective, anxious to declare the whole coun- 
sel of God unto his people : decided in his sentiments, and 
bold in his expression of them, having studied the Word 
of God with care, and being sustained by an enlightened 
conscience in his faith." "As a pastor and preacher, he 
is well worthy to succeed such as Grasty and Bocock. His 
shadow still rests over Fincastle and her people." 

"He married Miss Margarette Steele, of Illinois, a 
good woman, with a well-informed mind, educated at the 
Frankfort Female School. Greenbrier county. W. A a. : 
pious and faithful in the discharge of all her duties as a 
wife and mother, and domestic in her taste and habits." 
Airs. Houston is justly proud of her Scotch-Irish descent. 

Air. and Airs. Houston have ten living children, viz. : 
Mrs. Alary B. Miller, Mrs. {Catherine J. Flecker. Mrs. 



76 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



Annie R. Patterson (missionary to China), Mrs. Emma 
B. Hall, Mrs. Alice Spessard, Miss Stella V., Miss Olive 
A., Mr. Harry R., Miss Janet C, and Miss Jessie Steele. 
Besides these there are two others — Rachel and Evelyn, 
twins — who sleep in one grave in the cemetery around the 
Fincastle Church. 



Rev. PETER CUNNINGHAM CLARK, 

Born in Washington county, Va., was taught by his 
parents to fear God and respect the rights of his fellow- 
men ; to hate idleness as a vice, and to look upon labor 
of any kind as honorable. His earliest religious impres- 
sions were received from his father and mother. Among 
ministers of the gospel who were instrumental in leading 
him to Christ, the first was Rev. B. Gildersleeve, and 
after him Rev. A. L. Hogshead and Rev. J. R. King, who, 
by their faithful labors in and out of the pulpit, made deep 
and lasting impressions upon his character. He was 
converted at the age of twelve, and united with the Cold 
Spring Presbyterian Church. He received his early men- 
tal training in the common schools and Liberty Hall 
Academy of Washington county, Va. Taught two years, 
iS/Cj-'So and i88o-'8i, in the public schools. Became 
deeply impressed while trying to open his school with 
prayer that it was his duty to preach the gospel ; was 
received under the care of Abingdon Presbytery as a 
candidate for the gospel ministry in September, 1881. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



79 



Entered Hampden- Sidney College the next week, whence 
he was graduated with the degree of A. B. in June, 1884. 
Afterwards, while attending Union Theological Seminary, 
he received the degree of A. M. from Hampden-Sidney. 
Entered Union Theological Seminary September, 1884; 
graduated in May, 1887. He was first called to the pas- 
torate of Rocky Mount and Piedmont churches in Frank- 
lin county, Va., and was dismissed from Abingdon Pres- 
bytery August 25, 1887, to unite with Montgomery and 
entered upon his work in Franklin the fifth Sunday of that 
month. He was received by Montgomery Presbytery, 
convening at Clifton Forge, Va., September 20th, and 
was licensed to preach at this meeting, and ordained by 
the same Presbytery, in session at Lynchburg, November, 
1887. He served the Franklin county churches till the 
fifth Sunday of April, 1891, when he preached his first 
sermon as pastor of the Fincastle Church in Botetourt 
county, Ya. Afterwards he was called to serve Glen 
Wilton, Galatia and Mountain Union churches in connec- 
tion with the Fincastle Church. He continued serving 
these churches till January 1, 1897, when he became pastor 
of Bluefield (W. Ya.) church, where he is still laboring 
with success. 

Mr. Clark is a consecrated minister whose labors have 
been blessed of God in every church he has served. He is 
a good presbyter and faithful in attending upon the courts 
of his church. He has a host of friends in every church 
in which he has labored. 

Mr. Clark married Miss Sallie M. Home at Glade 



8o 



A Partial History of the 



Spring, Va., December 21, 1887, and six children have 
been born to them : Anne Permelia, Hubert Gilbraith, 
George Dennis, Eleanor, Mary Home, and Esther Cun- 
ningham. 

The picture of Mr. Clark which adorns this volume 
ivas taken in 1901. 

Rev. JAMES COWAN SHIVE 

Served the Fincastle Church from October r, 1897, to 
April 1, 1899. He was born of godly parents near Searcy, 
Ark., and was educated at Hampden-Sidney College and 
Union Theological Seminary, graduating from the latter 
in May, 1897. Montgomery Presbytery licensed him to 
preach the gospel in September, 1897, and ordained him 
the following April. 

Mr. Shive married Mrs. Mary G. Coleman, a daughter 
of Dr. J. W. Wilson, of Chatham, Va. (and a second 
cousin of Rev. John S. Grasty), in June, 1897. To them 
have been born three children, two of whom are living — 
Margaret Wilson and John Willis. 

Mr. Shive is one of the threg sons of Rev. R. W. 
Shive to enter the ministry. Fincastle Church was his 
first pastorate. He made a deep impress upon this church 
and community. His preaching is characterized by clear- 
ness and deep earnestness, and his life by consecration. 

Mr. Shive removed from Fincastle for the reason that 
this climate did not suit him. He is now pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Piedmont, S. C. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 81 



Rev. JAMES MINOR HOLLADAY 

Was born in Orange county, Va. He was educated in 
private schools until he entered Hampden-Sidney Col- 
lege in 1887. His theological studies were pursued in 
Union Theological Seminary. He was licensed and or- 
dained by Montgomery Presbytery in 1892, and installed 
pastor of Rocky Mount and Piedmont churches, in Frank- 
lin county, July 31, 1892. On November 1, 1894, he en- 
tered upon the pastorate of Blacksburg and Roanoke 
Valley churches, and continued to serve these churches 
until July, 1898, when he removed to Asheville, N. C, 
hoping that that climate would benefit his wife. On May 
26, 1899, he began to serve the Fincastle and Mt. Union 
churches, continuing until the present time (1902) in that 
field. 

Mr. Holladay married Miss S. Syme Ayres, of Rocky 
Mount, Ya.. April 12, 1893. To them have been born four 
children, two of whom are living — Emilie Cabell and 
Davis Ayres. 



Col. William Anderson 1 



Even a partial history of the Fincastle Church would 
be incomplete without some reference to Colonel William 
Anderson, who was a co-worker with Rev. Robert Logan. 
This volume is brought to a close with a very brief refer- 
ence to this man, whose efforts were so largely given to 
the building up of this church in its infancy. He was 
born in the year 1763 in Delaware ; when about six years 
of age he came with his father's family to Botetourt 
county, which was thenceforth his home and finally his 
burying place. 

For about fifty years he was county surveyor, for a 
long time a magistrate, and for many years a commis- 
sioner of the James River. He was also a member of the 
Legislature of Virginia. He became a Christian during 
the great revival of 1788 and 1789. "Scrupulously honest, 
sensitive of his reputation, and cherishing the pure prin- 
ciples of the gospel, he practiced a charity that seeketh 
not her own, believing that wealth was not the best inheri- 
tance for children/' 

His useful life was brought to a close September 13, 
1839, m the seventy-sixth year of his age. He served this 

1 See also a reference to Col. Anderson in Mr. Glasgow's 
article on pp. 59, 60. 



Fincastle Presbyterian Church 



83 



church as ruling elder for thirty-nine years, and his 
numerous descendants became useful and honored mem- 
bers of the church. 

Dr. Foote. in his second volume of Sketches of Vir- 
ginia, page 584. has a highly interesting memorial of 
Colonel Anderson, in which his public and Christian 
character is admirably portrayed. It closes with an ex- 
tract of a sermon preached at the time of his death by 
Rev. Stephen F. Cocke, then pastor of this church, which 
was published, and may now be found in the hands of his 
descendants. 

We regret that we cannot here publish sketches of 
some of the other elders of this church, as well as of the 
deacons. Such would make this volume too bulky, and 
the cost to exceed our means. Their influence for good 
still lives to bless the present and future generations. 
Most of these have long since "fallen on sleep" : a few are 
in the prime of life, enduring the heat and burden of the 
day. while the remainder are near the end of their pil- 
grimage : their eyelids are beginning to droop, their steps 
grow weary, and the}" too will soon enter upon that rest 
which remaineth to the people of God. 



t 



